Music Man' at Walnut Street Theatre

The Walnut Street Theatre celebrates the holiday season with a timeless favorite of the American musical stage; Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man.”

Revived in its entire splendor, the show features a large talented cast, gorgeous costumes, a superb Broadway style scenic design and lighting topped off by Douglass Lutz’s marvelous orchestration. Without doubt, this is a real crowd pleaser.

The “Music Man” story takes place on July 4th, in River City, Iowa. “Professor” Harold Hill arrives in town to horn-swoggle the citizens into believing he can teach the local youngsters how to play in a marching band that would rival the once-mammoth parade featuring “seventy-six Trombones.” Instead of skipping town at the appropriate moment, Hill is persuaded to face the music (or lack of it) by the town’s librarian, Marian Paroo.

Faith restored and good intentions rewarded, the musical ends with the children and Hill being hailed by the parents even though they can barely produce any recognizable notes from their instruments.

This joyful show is a sentimental piece of Americana with a fondness for typical farm-belt character types. It incorporates several musical expressions including; soft-shoe, ragtime, barbershop quartet and march.

Playwright Meredith Wilson once said, “I didn’t have to make anything up, all I had to do was remember.” Meredith grew up in Mason City Iowa where he played the piccolo and flute in the high school band. Afterwards, he attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York. At the age of 19, he was hired by John Philip Sousa as the first flutist in his band. The part of the librarian, who also gives piano lessons, was modeled after Wilson’s mother. Good things can’t be rushed. It took Wilson seven years and 32 revisions to finally reach the finished product which included 40 songs.

In his book, “But He Doesn’t Know the Territory”, Playwright Meredith Wilson recalled the difficulties of finding his leading man. Danny Kaye said he didn’t feel right for the part. Dan Dailey never kept his appointment and Gene Kelly just said no. The leading role was given on an act of faith. Best known for his westerns, Robert Preston had never sung a note or danced a step on the legitimate stage.

Anyone taking on the character of Professor Harold Hill has a tough act to follow as the whole world it seems remembers Robert Preston in that role. Once you’ve seen Preston strut his stuff, you measure all others by his dynamic performance.

Jeffery Coon has the vigor and animation as Professor Harold Hill, a role with flowing energy that gives the play its tone. He pays great attention to detail and is top-notch with his vocals; but he comes up short on the essential romantic charm that this role requires.

The slender, sharp featured Jennifer Hope Wills (the librarian), who spent four seasons on Broadway as Christine in “Phantom of the Opera,” is a most worthy object of attention. She has a charming voice and her delightful vocals have great balance and tone.

Bill Van Horn shines as the irascible Mayor Shinn and Alene Robertson as his wife with Lisa Diaz as Amaryllis are most enjoyable, adding to this pleasant experience. Other standouts among the River City residents include Mary Martello as Marian Paroo, Fran Prisco as Marcellus and not to be overlooked is Jimmy, the handsome Wells Fargo Horse who spent 11 years in the carriage trade in the historic quarters of Philadelphia.